BadgerBall Spotlight: Ebba Gebisa
November 30, 2001 | Women's Basketball
When asked what she was thankful for during UW's trip to the Virgin Islands over Thanksgiving, Ebba Gebisa responded with the usual answer of friends and family. But she added, 'I'm also thankful for my strengths and for my weaknesses, because I learn from them both.'
It's that mature philosophy that drives the freshman to come early to practice and stay late working on her game. And its that regimen that is resulting in increasing playing time and productivity.
In just four games, the 6-3 freshman is averaging 6.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 20 minutes a game. She had a career-high 12 points and seven rebounds against Texas in the opening game of the Paradise Jam Tourney. A tenacious rebounder, she is the second-leading rebounder behind UW's Jessie Stomski, who leads the Big Ten with 9.3 per game.
As dedicated in the classroom, Gebisa carried almost straight A 's (only one B) throughout high school. She captained almost every team she has played on, was a member of the National Honor Society, and was involved in many extra curricular and service activities. While attending West Lafayette High School she played soccer four years, basketball four years and ran track for three years.
Other accomplishments include recognition in each of the sports in which she has participated, as well as football homecoming queen, YWCA Woman of Promise Award, the John Woodan/MCL Citizenship Award, and the Optimist Ryder Citizenship Award. She was involved in Big Sis/Little Sis, the Pep Club, VISTA, and the government club, WESSO.
Look for Gebisa to play a major role in the Badger success this season as Wisconsin takes on Pittsburgh and either Arizona or Holy Cross in the Arizona Classic Tournament this weekend.
Ebba Gebisa: Up Close and Personal
Personal: Born 6-16-83, family includes: Parents Gebisa Ejeta and Senait Workalemam, sisters Jalle, Kuleni, and Lello, brother Galana; Nickname: Ebbers
Favorites: Favorite subject: English ... Favorite food: Ice Cream ... Favorite color: Orange ... Activities: Shopping and Reading ... Vacation Spot: Puerto Rico ... Favorite Sport other than basketball: Soccer
What are your favorite things' Spend time with my family an dfriends
Person(s) most admired: My parents
In preseason training I worked on:
Shooting off the dribble
My most prized possession is: My Bible
Most memorable basketball achievement: Winning a state championship with my two sisters Kuleni and Lello
Dream as a collegiate player: To win a National Championship
Favorite spot on campus: The Memorial Union
If I could bring one thing from my home town it would be: My bed
If I could have any job I'd be: A lawyer
What is your favorite book' To Kill A Mockingbird
What would you be doing if you weren't playing college basketball' Playing college soccer
What motivates you' When people tell me I'm not good at something
What do you do on your days off from basketball workouts' Spend time with my friends and catch up
Is their something significant about your jersey number' My dad wore #25 when he played basketball
Favorite DVD: Gladiator
Favorite form of transporation: Car
Favorite past time: Shopping or reading
Favorite TV show: Real World
Last book I read: Angela's Ashes
Last CD I bought: Alicia Keys, 'Songs in A Minor '
Major: Business
Career goal: To go to law school and practice law for a few years and then become an athletic director for a university
